Is the AV-8B Advanced Harrier Aircraft Ready for Full-Scale Development?
PSAD-79-22: Published: Jan 30, 1979. Publicly Released: Jan 30, 1979.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
Contact:
In 1979, the Secretary of Defense is planning to authorize full-scale development of the AV-8B Harrier aircraft. A prototype effort was started in 1976 to demonstrate that it will be possible to double the range and payload capability of the aircraft without developing a new engine. Testing has been successful and ahead of schedule. A Marine Corps analysis indicates that the vertical take-off Harrier is a more cost-effective system than the F/A-18 Hornet, a conventional take-off plane originally designated to replace certain Marine and Navy aircraft. If this is proven, the Harrier program will be substituted for the Hornet.
The results of the analysis show that neither program is substantially superior to the other. Additional testing may be necessary if the present evidence is not sufficient. Until a definite need is shown for developing the Harrier, it is GAO's opinion that the aircraft should not be developed further.
Recommendation for Executive Action
Status: Closed
Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Recommendation: Full-scale development of the Harrier should not be authorized until the Marine Corps is ready to select the plane as its new attack aircraft. Any additional testing needed to establish the plane's capabilities should be done on existing funds. The decision, whatever the outcome, should be made quickly to assure that production and delivery proceed on schedule. If the Harrier program is selected for development, production of the aircraft before development phase testing is complete should be authorized only after the risk of concurrent development and production has been thoroughly analyzed.
Agency Affected:
Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations
»
Apr 18, 2018
-
KC-46 Tanker Modernization:
Program Cost Is Stable, but Schedule May Be Further DelayedGAO-18-353: Published: Apr 18, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 18, 2018.
Apr 17, 2018
-
Amphibious Combat Vehicle:
Program Should Take Steps to Ensure Manufacturing ReadinessGAO-18-364: Published: Apr 17, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 2018. -
CIVILIAN AND CONTRACTOR WORKFORCES:
DOD's Cost Comparisons Addressed Most Report Elements but Excluded Some CostsGAO-18-399: Published: Apr 17, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 2018.
Apr 16, 2018
-
Defense Business Systems:
DOD Needs to Continue Improving Guidance and Plans for Effectively Managing InvestmentsGAO-18-130: Published: Apr 16, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 2018. -
Military Bases:
DOD Should Address Challenges with Communication and Mission Changes to Improve Future Base Realignment and Closure RoundsGAO-18-231: Published: Mar 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 2018.
Apr 11, 2018
-
Military Personnel:
DOD Needs to Reevaluate Fighter Pilot Workforce RequirementsGAO-18-113: Published: Apr 11, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 11, 2018.
Mar 29, 2018
-
DOD Contracted Services:
Long-Standing Issues Remain about Using Inventory for Management DecisionsGAO-18-330: Published: Mar 29, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 29, 2018.
Mar 27, 2018
-
Defense Infrastructure:
Action Needed to Increase the Reliability of Construction Cost EstimatesGAO-18-101: Published: Mar 27, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 27, 2018.
Mar 13, 2018
-
Military Housing Privatization:
DOD Should Take Steps to Improve Monitoring, Reporting, and Risk AssessmentGAO-18-218: Published: Mar 13, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 13, 2018.
Feb 28, 2018
-
Defense Management:
DOD Needs to Take Additional Actions to Promote Department-Wide CollaborationGAO-18-194: Published: Feb 28, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 2018.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here